Owning a small business is a labour of love, and we love our small business owners! We asked the businesses of Moss End Garden Village to share a short story of why they decided to start their business, what they love about owning a business at Moss End, or just something entertaining about themselves… 

This week we’re introducing The Reefkeeper

The ReefKeeper at Moss End is very proud to be the first of its kind! Their passion is marine aquariums and their drive is to make these beauties a reality for any hobbyist.

Ed, the owner, has always had a passion for animals, when at aged 6 he got his first goldfish, called Goldy of course. But marine life isn’t where things started for Ed, he had a successful career as a Management Consultant but soon realised that working 9 to 5 wasn’t his cup of tea. He therefore took the leap and turned his hobby into a business, and so The Reefkeeper was formed.

When you talk to Ed his passion for all things for animals, particularly those under the sea, is vibrant and wonderful to be around. His knowledge is second to none and he loves giving advice on corals and fish, in fact whilst we were chatting he took my 12 year old daughter on a mini shop tour. Regaling fun facts, for example, did you know start fish have 5 arms but hundreds of legs; and corals are both animals and plants? No me neither!!

Another thing we learnt is that you can grow coral, something Ed clearly enjoys as he explains that most of the Coral in the shop has been grown by them, making the whole lifecycle more sustainable.

Ed is a firm believer that it’s so important to engage with the younger visitors to The ReefKeeper as they’re future customers, but also the future custodians of the living plant and underwater world. He’s also known for naming the fish when they come in, one memorable member of the Moss End aquatic world was Porky the Puffer, who now lives at Legoland Windsor!

The ReefKeeper is proud to be part of the Moss End Garden Village community, Ed commented that there is such a vibrant buzz on site, it’s great to have the different and truly unique businesses all under one roof, supporting each other and learning from other business owners.

Away from the business it’s no surprise to find Ed’s other hobbies feature water, he’s a keen paddleboard and kayaker! 

The Moss End store has a reputation for the rarer fish and every visit will delight the connoisseur of the unusual. Within the last 12 months alone they’ve had a Kingii angel, Clarion angel, several Gem tangs, Bandit angels, Candy swiss guards, Jocualtor angel, Lennardi wrasse, Femininus wrasse, Redtail triggers, Blue spot Jawfish, a Tigerpyges and Tri-colour scopas to name but a few of their treasures!

With more than 44 independent retailers at Moss End Garden Village, this is just a small snapshot of some of the familiar faces you’ll see when you visit.   Come and visit to explore and discover a new shop you’ve never been to, and don’t forget to say hello to the owner! To find a list of all businesses that call Moss End Garden Village home, click here.